Main & Subordinate Clauses
English Language: KS3, topic 3.8.3
The Main Clause
A clause is a string of words that contains a subject and a verb.
Main clause
- A main clause is a clause that contains a subject, verb and an object. Main clauses make sense on their own.
- E.g. I like bananas.
- 'I' is the subject.
- 'like' is the verb.
- 'bananas' is the object.
- A main clause is also known as an independent clause.
Main clause examples
- I am a dog.
- I run home.
- I use Seneca.
Subordinate Clause
A subordinate clause is one that relies on a main clause to make sense. A subordinate clause is also known as a dependent clause.
Subordinate clause
- A subordinate clause contains a subject and a verb and adds extra information to the sentence.
- E.g. I sat on a fence when I went to the park.
- The "when I went to the park" is the subordinate clause.
Subordinate with main clause
- A subordinate clause needs to be attached to a main clause because it cannot make sense on its own.
- E.g. After she noticed it was missing… (What happened?)
Test yourself on Main & Subordinate Clauses
Which of these are characteristics of a main clause?
Which of these is an example of a main clause?
What is the subordinate clause in this sentence?
'Jake shook his opponent's hand after the match.'What is a subordinate clause also known as?
Which of these are examples of a main clause?